Test: Weathering - Class 9 MCQ

The main difference is that creep involves the slow movement of dry soil down a slope, while solifluction involves the movement of water-saturated soil. This distinction is important for understanding different types of mass wasting processes.

Earth flow is characterized by the movement of fine-grained, water-saturated materials down slopes due to gravity. This type of mass wasting can occur in various terrains, particularly where soils are loose and saturated with water.

Exfoliation is a type of mechanical weathering, not chemical weathering. It involves the peeling away of outer layers of rocks due to temperature changes, while oxidation, carbonation, and solution are all processes that chemically alter rocks.

Biological weathering occurs when living organisms, such as plants and animals, contribute to the disintegration of rocks. For example, tree roots can penetrate and break apart rocks, and decaying organic matter can chemically alter rock surfaces.

Denudation refers to the wearing away of land surfaces through various processes like weathering, erosion, and mass movements. This process is essential for landscape formation and soil development.

Water is the primary agent of chemical weathering, as it facilitates various chemical reactions that lead to the decomposition of minerals in rocks. This process can change the chemical structure of the rocks and lead to soil formation.

Laterite soils are typically found in equatorial regions where high temperatures and significant rainfall lead to intense chemical weathering. This process leaches minerals and results in the formation of rich, red soils.

Block disintegration is a type of mechanical weathering where rocks break apart due to repeated expansion and contraction caused by temperature fluctuations. This process can lead to the fragmentation of large rock masses.

Solifluction refers to the slow movement of water-saturated soil down slopes, often occurring in regions with permafrost. This viscous flow can reshape landscapes over time, especially in hilly or mountainous areas.

Exogenic forces, such as wind, water, and ice, primarily drive processes that result in erosion, transport of materials, and deposition. These forces shape the landscape over time by wearing down landmasses and redistributing sediments.

A debris pile at the base of a slope is a common feature created by mass wasting events like landslides or rockfalls. These piles can accumulate over time as weathered materials move downhill due to gravity.

Tree roots penetrate into cracks and fissures in rocks, exerting pressure that can lead to physical disintegration of the rock material. This process is a significant contributor to biological weathering and soil formation.

Degradation involves the wearing away or lowering of land surfaces. Soil erosion on a hillside is a clear example of degradation, as it results in the loss of soil and land surface.

Aggradation refers to the elevation of landforms due to the deposition of transported materials, such as sediments carried by rivers or glaciers. This process can lead to the formation of features like deltas and floodplains.

A landslide involves the sudden movement of rock and soil down a slope, often triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall or earthquakes. This rapid mass wasting can lead to significant landscape changes and hazards.

In deserts, significant temperature fluctuations between day and night lead to mechanical weathering. The extreme heat during the day and cold at night cause rocks to expand and contract, which can result in cracking and fragmentation.

Chemical weathering is most prevalent in equatorial regions due to high temperatures and humidity, which promote chemical reactions between water and minerals in rocks, leading to their decomposition and the formation of fertile soils.

Frost action is most effective in areas with extremely low temperatures, where the freezing and thawing of water in rock cracks can lead to the physical breakdown of rocks. This cycle can significantly contribute to mechanical weathering.

Weathering processes primarily lead to the creation of soil and the reshaping of landscapes. As rocks break down, they contribute to soil formation, which is essential for plant growth and ecological balance.

Mechanical weathering, also known as physical weathering, involves the breaking apart of rocks without changing their chemical composition. This type of weathering is often seen in environments with significant temperature fluctuations.